Washington: The US on Monday said the gangrape of a student in New Delhi is a powerful and urgent reminder to continue fight against gender-based violence and for women's rights in India and around the world.

"Like so many in India, we were horrified to learn of the recent violent assault on a young woman and her companion in New Delhi," State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family," he said.

"This incident is a powerful and urgent reminder that we must all continue the fight against gender-based violence and for women's rights in India and around the world," Ventrell said in response to a question on the Delhi incident.